If you are over the age of 50, you’ve probably noticed that things aren’t quite the same as they used to be. Your muscles may not work as well as they used to, your skin isn’t as firm and taut, and everything seems to be slowing down. Aging isn’t something anyone particularly looks forward to, but there are definitely some procedures that can help your body age comfortably. Medical issues are much easier to treat when they are identified and taken care of early. Below are a few procedures to help you age gracefully while minimizing discomfort in the process.
1. Collagen Injections
If you’re worried about how you’ll look as you age, a collagen injection might help. Collagen injections are used to reduce wrinkles on your face, hands, and body by tightening up your skin. The procedure is relatively quick and painless. In addition, the recovery time typically only spans a few weeks. You should expect some bruising for about a week after receiving a collagen injection, but it will subside in time. Consult with your dermatologist to determine if collagen injections are right for you.
2. CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved procedure for helping patients eliminate fat. It works by freezing away unwanted fat cells, so they are eliminated naturally through your body’s metabolic processes. In case you didn’t know, excessive fat can be a big problem for many adults. If you’re carrying extra weight around your midsection, it could be affecting your quality of life. For example, you may be putting unnecessary strain on your feet if you are overweight. It is important to manage your weight to prevent it from damaging other parts of your body.
CoolSculpting may help reduce not only how much fat you have, but also how noticeable it is on your body. This can give you more confidence in both professional and social settings, improving your overall quality of life. Of course, it is always best to speak with a medical professional before undergoing any weight loss procedures.
3. Spine Surgery
Research suggests that there is a link between poor posture and back pain. If your spine hurts every time you stand up, move, or lie down, you may need surgery to relieve your pain. During spine surgery, doctors replace painful discs in your spine with artificial ones or fuse vertebrae to stabilize your bones.
Depending on what’s causing you pain and how serious it is, your doctor might recommend disc replacement surgery instead of fusion. Disc replacement uses artificial discs made of metal and plastic components to replace damaged parts in your back. You can expect a recovery time of around three months, but you will notice a significant improvement in your overall health afterward.
4. Hormone Replacement Therapy
When we age, our bodies naturally produce less of a certain type of hormone called DHEA. DHEA supplements have been shown to increase energy levels and reduce body fat in both men and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The DHEA precursor Androstenedione is popular among bodybuilders for its muscle-building properties and has also been shown to increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
In order to age gracefully, we have to give our bodies the best chance of keeping up with the aging process as it occurs. Early treatment can help save you from unnecessary strain and discomfort in the future. Use this guide to learn more about the best procedures that will help you age comfortably. Take some time to determine what your body needs, and speak with a medical expert to find the best procedure for your situation.
